How Much Should You Tip an Informed Bartender?

Last night, I visited a trendy new bar and had the pleasure of ordering a Belgian gueuze. As I eagerly anticipated the usual struggle with pronunciation that often accompanies this sophisticated brew, I was pleasantly surprised. The bartender confidently pronounced it “the guhz is excellent,” articulating it flawlessly and diving straight into a discussion about its unique wild fermentation process. On top of that, she effortlessly suggested a complementary cheese pairing without me even having to ask.

In that moment, I was genuinely taken aback. It’s not every day you encounter a bartender who not only knows how to pronounce a specialty beer correctly but also possesses an impressive depth of knowledge about it. Typically, bartenders either skirt around tricky names or deliver a mispronounced version while simply pouring whatever is on tap. This particular bartender stood out, demonstrating real expertise and passion for her craft.

As I left the bar, my decision to tip 30% felt deserved, but it also made me ponder the etiquette surrounding tipping in instances like this. Is there an unspoken rule regarding tips based on a bartender’s level of knowledge? Should we calculate our gratuity from a kind of ‘knowledge scale’ that values the correct pronunciation of obscure beer names?

When you’re fortunate enough to meet a bartender who truly understands what they’re serving rather than merely reciting a menu, how do you show your appreciation? It seems only fitting that we recognize and reward such expertise with a tip that reflects the experience they provide. After all, a little extra acknowledgment goes a long way in fostering a culture of quality service in the craft beverage scene.